Exemption from Required Immunizations

In Florida, exemptions for immunizations fall into two catagories: religious and medical.

Religious Exemption

This exemption is only issued by a county health department and based on established religious beliefs or practices only.

Form DH 681, Religious Exemption From Immunization, is issued if immunizations are in conflict with the religious tenets and practices of the child's parent or guardian.

Form DH 681 must be presented to the school or facility prior to the child's entry, attendance, or transfer.

• Locate a County Health Department

Medical Exemptions

Temporary Medical Exemption

A private health care provider may grant a temporary medical exemption, documented on the Form DH 680, Florida Certification of Immunization, for a child who has received immunizations as medically indicated at the time and who are in the process of completing any necessary immunizations.

The temporary medical exemption requires an expiration date after which the exemption is no longer valid, and the immunizations must be completed before or at that time.

Permanent Medical Exemption

A private health care provider may grant a permanent medical exemption, documented on the Form DH 680, can be granted if a child cannot be fully immunized due to medical reasons. The child's physician must state in writing, the reasons for exemption based on valid clinical reasoning or evidence.